Top British sculptor hits back in censorship row over loan to Turkish gallery

Turner prize-winner Tony Cragg defends decision to lend to Istanbul museum after criticism from leading Turkish artist

One of Britain’s leading sculptors, Sir Tony Cragg, has defended his decision to loan a work to Istanbul’s top art museum following criticism from a prominent Turkish artist of the country’s restrictions on freedom of expression.

After four years in construction, the new five-storey, 15,000 sq metre Istanbul Modern will open this year, with Cragg’s white sculpture, entitled Runner, in a prime spot at its entrance.